Slates declares for House of Delegates seat
Trending
WEIRTON -- Inspired by a desire to serve her community and seeing a new growth in the area, Weirton resident and business owner Michele Slates is throwing her hat into the political arena.
Slates was joined by family, friends and other supporters at the Rhododendron Room Tuesday afternoon to announce her intentions to run as a Republican candidate for the Second District seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Slates, a lifelong Weirton resident, owns Homeland Firearms along with her husband, George.
Among her inspirations for seeking office, Slates said she has been amazed by recent growth in the community, noting the opening of several small businesses along Pennsylvania Avenue in Weirton as well as the construction of Form Energy's new manufacturing facility.
"It's like a rebirth. It's a rebirth I never thought I would see," she said.
While acknowledging the potential for "growing pains," Slates said she wants to make sure the area is prepared for the future development anticipated for the region, in particular with local roads, schools and infrastructure.
She said she wants to go to Charleston to make sure Hancock and Brooke counties are well represented, but also get their fair share of funding from Charleston in support of local growth.
"I really believe in Weirton and the Northern Panhandle," Slates said. "I don't want Weirton to just be successful. I want Weirton to be significant again."
The Second House District in West Virginia, which includes the western portions of Weirton and unincorporated areas of northern Brooke County, currently is represented by Del. Mark Zatezalo. Zatezalo announced earlier this year he will be seeking election to the West Virginia Senate.
Zatezalo was not in attendance Tuesday, having been called to Charleston for a meeting, but Liz Baldt, chair of the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, delivered a message of support for Slates.
"I am confident she will do a remarkable job for you," Baldt read from Zatezalo's statement.
Slates said she feels she is a quick learner and will work hard to represent the area if elected.
"I'm ready to hit the ground running," she said.
To date, Slates is the only person to declare intentions to run for the Second District seat. The official candidate filing period in West Virginia has been scheduled for Jan. 8-27, 2024.